At a recent Resident Association meeting, Covenant Village announced Mrs. Hazel McLean as the recipient of the resident-nominated Real Deal Award, recognizing her outstanding and dedicated volunteerism within the community. The award, part of Covenant Village’s recognition program for volunteer service, honors residents who exemplify a spirit of servant leadership.

Mrs. McLean, a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church of Gastonia, is well known for her unwavering support and commitment to the Village. She has played a vital role in numerous activities, from fundraising during Covenant Village’s inception to daily visits with resident church members at the ARISE Health Center. Her dedication extends to her active participation in the Arts & Crafts Room, where she leads projects that benefit both residents and the broader community.

In an interview for Covenant’s 40th Anniversary, Mrs. McLean recalled it was during the months of grief after her husband died in 2006 that she learned firsthand the benefits of a strong community of care and support. “Being at Covenant Village was literally my saving grace in the days after Robert died,” she remembered. “The involvement I felt here. The friends who were close by. And especially the craft room. That craft room literally saved my life,” she continued. “When Robert died, the craft room staff and regulars took me under their wing. I was designated the ‘official sewer.’ I started doing a lap quilt for every resident who moved permanently into the Health Center.”

In addition to her involvement in crafting and arts, Mrs. McLean contributes through charitable acts such as sewing pillows, making blankets, and helping with clothing repairs for residents. She also supports various outreach programs, including providing crocheted name wraps for ambulatory devices and assisting with pillows for CaroMont Health patients and the Battered Women’s Shelter.

Director of Life Enrichment, Sherry Cheney, praises Mrs. McLean’s kindness and dedication, highlighting her years of service and her role as a source of encouragement for many. Resident Shirley Jensen, who nominated Mrs. McLean, describes her as “the true definition of the word ‘Christian,’” through her actions.

Mrs. McLean is effusive in her praise for Covenant Village and the role it has played in making her senior years not only safe and secure but fulfilling and satisfying. “I love this place,” she declared. “I would do anything for it because I feel they would do anything for me. Covenant Village is the best thing that has ever come to Gastonia. Around here, everyone pitches in and helps out when something needs doing.”

Join us in celebrating Mrs. Hazel McLean, recipient of the 2025 Real Deal Award, a recognition of her exemplary volunteer service and her impact on the Covenant Village community.